Basic Jazz Dance Steps By Ju Fernando


Dancing is an activity that is now more popular than ever due to the rise of social media. Platforms like TikTok allow this activity to shine and be recognized, even jazz. Now that many wish to get into dancing, or have already begun their journey in dance. it is important for us to emphasize the importance of the basics of jazz. While more advanced steps would help expand your repetoire, these steps are both simple and never go out of style. Before attempts to create your own dances, or to simply nail the ones you are already learning, you should consider starting with the very basics. 


Here are some of the basic steps:


  • Cross Point

    • Start with feet in an L position, with the left foot in front

    • Cross the right foot diagonal left, bend the knees

    • Point the other foot sideward aligned toes, maintaining a middle level

    • Do the opposite movements

Side Step | Forward & Backward Step

  • Start with your feet together

  • Side Step

    • Step right foot in place

    • Step left foot sideward

    • Step the other foot

  • Forward and Backward Step

    • Step right foot forward

    • Step left foot forward

    • Step left foot backward

    • Step right foot backward

  • Kick-Ball-Change

    • Start with your feet together 

    • Kick your right foot forward no higher than shin height, doing a passe while executing the kick. Point your toes. 

    • Step down on the balls of your foot

    • Step down in the left foot in place

  • Step-Ball-Change

    • Start with your feet together

    • Step your right foot sideward

    • Step the left foot sideward obliquely left 

    • Do the opposite

  • Jazz Slide

    • Start with your feet together

    • Step your left foot forward and arms crossed

    • Slide to the right sideward; then extend your arms sharply. Keep your eyes on your middle finger

    • Close left

    • Do the opposite

  • Paddle Turn

    • Start with your feet apart

    • Paddle the right foot in 4 corners

    • Do the opposite

  • Grapevine

    • Start with your feet apart

    • Cross your left foot obliquely sideward right

    • Switch the position of the feet to the right in an abrupt manner

    • Switch the position of the feet to the right in an abrupt manner

    • Point the right foot sideward

    • Do the opposite movements for count 

  • Star Jump

    • Start with your feet together

    • Bend knees to prepare for a jump

    • Jump high in straddle while arms in V position and the palms facing the audience

    • Land in starting position, with feet even in order to avoid injury

These basic steps would be able to aid you in your journey to learn jazz. While other steps may need further knowledge of the subject to learn, these easy steps are easily learned, especially with proper instructions and proper guidance. This short blog might be able to help, but it would be more beneficial for you to watch other videos in order to get a deeper understanding of these fundamentals.

And never forget, no matter what step you are performing, never ever forget to have a good time, smile and keep your posture straight. G’luck!

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